Thugs in the Garden

        Don't turn your back on the ocean.  Don't turn your back on a roomful of kindergartners.  These are given.  But why oh why, did someone not warn me about the thugs in the garden?

    These plants look so harmless with claims of being a vigorous grower.  But do not be fooled, they do not play nicely with others.         

       One of the bullies I contend with in the late winter is Lamiastrum, not to be confused with Lamium.  The former spreads all over the flowerbed with contentious yellow flowers smothering every sweet endearing perennial in its' tracks.  While the latter has wonderful flowers of pink, white, or lavender, and remains compact without hindering any other plants' growth.

      I know you all have your own particular thug you contend with, but if you are lucky enough not too, some garden center red flags are:  Labeled aggressive and vigorous; and shoots growing on the bottom of the pot.  If you come across any of these red flags, 'just say no,' for the sake of your other well-behaved plant children.                                                                                                   

Savor the early bloomers

            Let's face it, this is the season in which being creative with flowers is a necessity.  Finding color may take the hindsight of planting an amaryllis in January and reaping the rewards with the velvet flower heads now.

           Another idea is to use a shallow vase, in my case I bought a two dollar clear vase and covered it in hellebores.  Much like gardenias.  If you want too add another element, place a floating candle for in the evening.  Instant atmosphere.

           Go cut budded daffodils put them in a vase and boom you have instant sunshine in a glass.

So spring is coy and fickle . . .

                                

        Yes, we are facing perhaps another snowstorm.  Do not let the pilot light of the gardener in you blow out.  There is a refuge for us indoor gardeners.   Yes, I am talking about seeds.  I am determined to tap into my youth and grow perennials from seed.  Its' cheap, and hey, I get my fingers in the soil to boot.  Cannot beat that.